Promise of the Day

Rainbow over Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
July 22, 2026

 It was not the usual Hump Day beginning. We were treated to a rare sight this morning. 

A rainbow stretched across the sky. It was perfectly placed above the palms just outside our door. I saw it when I took Finn out. It was actually the second attempt for Finn this morning. It began raining during the first attempt and we aborted. We were lucky that it rained because we would likely have missed seeing the rainbow had we not aborted Finn's first outdoors adventure of the day. 

The rainbow scene was enhanced because the sun was still relatively low in the sky and the rain added to the color saturation. 

It is rare that I can almost see both the beginning and end of a rainbow. That made me wonder--which is the beginning and which the end? Are they both ends or both beginnings. 

I guess it is a conundrum, like which came first the chicken or the egg? Of course we know the answer to that one; the chicken came first! (Gen 1:24-25)

Happy Hump Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cheese Hound

Chris, Finn and Cheese
Tequesta, FL
July 20, 2026

 Finn is a confirmed cheese hound.

The dog loves cheese and it was evident again last evening as Chris and I were enjoying Happy Hour on the veranda. 

The temperature and humidity moderated and we were able to spend time on the veranda during the early evening before dinner. Finn moved between us as we ate cheese, hoping for a piece. And he was usually successful.

We are careful not to give him too much cheese, which could be bad for him. But he likes small bits. 

During our time on the veranda we discussed upcoming activities and travels. We do our best planning over wine and cheese and we have a busy travel season ahead of us. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

After the Sun Sets

Jupiter Lighthouse at Dusk
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
July 18, 2026

 I drove to the beach last evening after the sun had set just because I had not been there in a while. I determined to visit both the ICW and the ocean. There is a place where I can walk across Jupiter Island and do just that in less than five minutes.

The heat of the day had dissipated a bit and the crowds likewise departed. 

Atlantic Ocean Looking North East
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
July 18, 2026

It was nice to be on the beach. I waded into the ICW and stood there enjoying the warm water on my feet and a light breeze on my shoulders. The lights at the base of the lighthouse were just visible as dusk deepened. A person was on the water, likewise enjoying the end of day.

It was peaceful. The ocean beach was much more expansive than I expected, but there were no turtle nests marked. Usually at this time of year turtle nests abound on the beach. I wonder if they have reduced their nesting protection efforts?

I tarried for a bit before heading back to the car and then to home. I needed the peaceful scenes to recenter myself. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cranes, Lettuce and Travel Preps

Sandhill Cranes
Tequesta, FL
July 17, 2026

 Apparently, the sandhill cranes are enjoying the South Florida heat and humidity. Yesterday, I saw three of them on my ride. That is unusual. I sometimes come across two, but three is unusual. Perhaps the third was a chick of the pair, I didn't slow down to try and figure it out. 

Packing Preparations
Tequesta, FL
July 17, 2026

The cranes pretty much go where they want. They also are not too concerned about me and my bike, which is nice. They neither run nor attack--I am especially happy about the not attacking part. 

Lettuce Wars: I am glad that someone in authority clarified the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak: lettuce! Let us stop eating lettuce! Funny though, we are being told that it is better to eat head lettuce rather than bagged lettuce. That seems a bit counterintuitive to me.

Finally, we began packing for our cruise which departs in a week. Chris wanted to get things laid out, and we did! Packing is incredibly stressful for some people. She also has commandeered one of the guest bedrooms and her dresses are hanging there, waiting for final packing into the garment bag. For me, however, I can pack in about 30 minutes, but I'm a guy. I'll begin laying stuff out maybe the morning before we depart. Fortunately, the cruise port and parking is only about an hour drive away. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Bird Watching

Tufted Titmouse
Odenton, MD
July 15, 2026

 I am lucky that Nicole, back in Maryland, has a Bird Buddy and that I can enjoy watching birds come and go. We are not allowed a bird feeder in our condo community because it attracts the dreaded palm rat! Providing the rats a source of food, like a bird feeder, is the worst thing a South Florida homeowner can do. Eventually, the rats will find a way into an attic and take up residence where they will chew wires and cause a biohazard mess. 

Tufted Titmouse Fluffing
Odenton, MD
July 15, 2026

Watching the birds in someone else's yard is not nearly as satisfying as in my own yard. Back in Elkridge, we had multiple feeders and varied the food for the season. During the winter, we put out a lot of peanuts for the Jays and Cardinals.

We constantly watched and enjoyed the birds. 

Now I have to bird watch vicariously, but no mess to clean up.

Yesterday was a particularly good day. A tufted titmouse put on a show, visiting multiple times and giving me a couple good opportunities to enjoy its antics. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Walking the New Cat

Walking the New Cat
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

 As if we have not been busy enough during the past week, Chris and I headed off to the Elliott Museum in Stuart to view their new traveling exhibits and reacquaint ourselves with some of the permanent treasures. 

Catching a Big One
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

The two newest traveling exhibits that caught our interest were the Charles Fazzino Master of 3-D Pop Art, and 3D Doubt Your Eyes.

Both of the exhibits were fascinating and the Charles Fazzino pieces are not just displayed in the exhibition room, but around the museum in appropriate places, for instance some baseball related pieces were displayed in the Baseball Card collection room. 

Charley Fazzino - Superman
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

The 3D Doubt Your Eyes is located near the entrance to the museum and was a lot of fun trying to compose an image which brought us into the scene.

Charles Fazzino's Pop Art brought us into the scene through the complexity and detail. The detail of the 3-D art does not translate well into 2-D images. 

We had a lot of fun and since we are museum members, we will likely be returning again soon.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

Bowmouth Guitarfish
Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
June 20, 2026

 One of the attractions that Chris and I visited while we were in Las Vegas was the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. I admit that I read the description and felt that it might be a bit overstated. 

Not.

Green Turtle in Coral
Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
June 20, 2026

The aquarium and displays are every bit as interesting and dynamic as the write-ups make it seem.

The huge aquarium is both big and accessible. We were able to see many different fish, many sharks, and there were also displays of freshwater fishes. The aquarium is based around an Aztec temple and that adds to the fun.

I can't begin to detail all of the different fishes and marine animals. 

Blacktip Reef Shark
Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
June 20, 2026

The highlight of the visit is, of course, the tunnels through the ocean tank. It is teeming with sharks, assorted fish, a big sea turtle, and they are constantly on the move. The tunnel system puts the viewer in the middle of the aquarium with fish swimming above and around. It was very interesting to see the underside of some of the fish--for instance the Bowmouth Guitarfish expels water from its gills downward under its body. 

As can be seen from my images, the fish get very close. 

The price point for the aquarium is really good. It was $30/person. Given the cost of other attractions in Vegas, this is a bargain.

-- Bob Doan, Atlanta, GA

Travel Preparations

View from the Bridge
Tequesta, FL
June 15, 2026

It is weird how things tend to pile up when we are trying to prepare for travel. Tomorrow is a travel day; we head out on on our trip to Vegas.

Yesterday, we received a call from the window people . They are finally ready to install our hurricane windows which were supposed to be delivered in April. Finally! Here's the rub, they wanted to install the windows today whist we are preparing for travel. We have waited for two extra months and they wanted us to move our plans so they could install our windows today. I told them no. We have waited for them and we decided that now they can wait for us. Apparently that did not satisfy them, so they called me back and offered me $150 off the price if they could come today. I was insulted. What they offered was a bit more than 1 percent of the total price. Really? If the offer had been 5 percent, I might have considered it. The windows will be installed the day after we return.

I managed my usual 18-mile bike ride yesterday. I noted that the "feels like" temperature was 105 degrees and that the actual temperature when we arrive in Vegas tomorrow is expected to be 108 degrees. Ugh. I know but it is a dry heat! So is my oven. 

Well, we have a bunch of things to finish up before the end of the day. We have another early flight--not break of dawn early, but early enough. 

I have been finalizing plans to go to Zion National Park, Death Valley, and the Hoover Dam in addition to the concert which was the genesis for the trip. It should be a fun and busy five days.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to the Beach for Happy Hour

Yellow Flag on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
June 11, 2026

Atlantic Ocean
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
June 11, 2026

 The weather finally decided to provide us with a clear afternoon and that was the signal to go down to the beach and celebrate a Friday-eve Happy Hour. 

There were yellow flags flying, to advise of the dangerous surf conditions, but we were safely on the beach above the high tide which occurred during our stay. I was the only member of our group that wandered into the pleasantly warm water up to just above my knees.

It had been over a month since the four of us gathered on the ocean beach for Happy Hour. It was good be be together on the beach again celebrating the life and blessings that we have. 

There were not so many birds on the beach as we are used to. One osprey was hunting and a few crows were scavenging, but other than those, not much was happening with respect to animal life. No matter, we filled the time catching up on each couple's recent trips and planning for future activities. 

Friends on the Beach at Happy Hour
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
June 11, 2026

I took my usual empty chair image, the three of them and my empty beach chair, but a nice beachgoer came by and offered to take a couple images of us all, and so here that image. She was on vacation from Montauk, Long Island staying in a community where many years ago we used to rent to enjoy life in Jupiter, before we owned our condo. She asked if I knew of Montauk and I responded that I only knew of it from the song. I don't think she connected it to the Billy Joel song, The Downeaster Alexa. 

All-in-all, it was a solid Friday-eve. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Travel Day Returning to Home

View from the Dock
Rams Head Dockside, Glen Burnie, MD
June 5, 2026

 D-Day Remembrance

Today is our travel day returning home to South Florida. 

We have had a busy and enjoyable visit north. 

Last evening we headed to Rams Head Dockside to enjoy dinner with Jeremy and Julie. Rams Head is less than a mile away from where we are staying, but because of Marley Creek we had to drive about 3 miles to get there. If only we had a boat!  Hmmmmm.

We enjoyed Happy Hour and munchies with Jeremy and Julie. It was a warm evening but pleasant evening. Actually, the high temperature in Glen Burnie was 90 degrees and that was 4 degrees higher than the high in Tequesta! See, it's hotter in Maryland than Florida!

Jupiter and Venus
Glen Burnie, MD
June 5, 2026

After a great evening at Rams Head Dockside, we retired back to Patrick and Jen's arriving just in time to put Beck to bed. Following bedtime we headed outside to enjoy the evening sky and some adult beverages. 

Jupiter and Venus were the stars of the evening show in the heavens. They were bright as they sank lower in the western sky. I started thinking; the light I was seeing reflected from Jupiter began its journey from the Sun somewhere between 78 and 95 minutes ago, depending on where Jupiter is relative to Earth. While the light from Venus takes on average only 9 to 10 minutes (although it can vary between 8 to 20 minutes) to be observed on Earth after leaving the Sun. Yet, I am seeing them both in the night sky at the same time! (Based on analysis by Chat GPT)

OK, that was too deep a thought for today. 

I stayed outside after everyone else retired looking for passing satellites and just enjoying the night sky. Hopefully, tonight we will be back at home in Florida on our veranda enjoying our version of the night sky. 

And for a final thought, take a moment to remember the sacrifice made by heroic service members on this day 82 years ago. The world owes all of the allied service members a debt of thanks than can only be repaid if we hold sacred the ideals for which they fought, and where many died, on the beaches of Normandy. 

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

Something tells me it's all happening

 

Linh Mai
National Zoo, D.C
June 4, 2026

At the zoo!

During February, the National Zoo welcomed a newborn Asian Elephant. Chris loves elephants and we heard about the birth of Linh Mai when the zoo announced that she was ready to receive visitors during April. Well, being in the D.C. area, we had to go to the zoo to meet the young pachyderm. 

Yesterday was zoo day.

Panda
National Zoo, D.C.
June 4, 2026

I was fortunate enough to obtain parking and entrance passes in advance, so I saved $10 off the parking cost and admission was free, but entrance passes were required. The actual process of parking was smooth and easy. We parked very close to one entrance to the zoo.

Getting to the zoo is, however, a process. Driving across the D.C. metro area is a scary slog. Using the Metro would solve the driving issue, but the closest station is a long walk from the zoo entrance. Once at the zoo there is a lot of walking to access the enclosures and exhibits and it is up and down hills. Wear appropriate shoes/sneakers. We walked about 2.67 miles while we were in the zoo. Yes, I turned my tracker on.

Baltimore Oriole
National Zoo, D.C.
June 4, 2026

The Zoo is great! We had a fantastic time and were able to see Linh Mai as well as both pandas, which are of course the marquee attractions. There is a lot of construction at the zoo as many enclosures are being upgraded and that is good, but it did limit some of the viewing. I thought the aviaries and bird displays were spectacular. We got up close to some birds and even those in outdoors enclosures were close enough to be enjoyed. I spent a lot of time getting an image of the Baltimore Oriole, the bird was very busy flying around the aviary.

The zoo offers an overwhelming array of attractions that are simply too many to experience in a single day. Despite spending three and a half hours there, we barely managed to scratch the surface of what the zoo has to offer. Exhausted and eager to avoid the traffic congestion in D.C., we decided to leave.

I highly recommend a day at the zoo!

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

Flowering Takeover

 

Clematis
Glen Burnie, MD
May 31, 2026

Upon arriving in Glen Burnie to enjoy a week with our youngest grandson and his family, Chris and I were greeted by the most spectacular clematis display. I remembered earlier in the year, before the plants started growing and it was still too cold to think clearly outside, we had been introduced to the newly acquired and installed trellis. 

None of us expected the explosion of flowers!

The trellis stands right beside the front door and is impossible to miss upon arriving at the house. Stunning is one word I used to describe the sea of flowers. 

A Busy Boy
Glen Burnie, MD
May 31, 2026

In other activities, we have been enjoying the antics of Beck our youngest, at 16 months old, grandson. He is a joyful bundle of energy.

Whether in the yard, on a walk, or cruising around the house he is busy learning, thinking, and problem solving. Sometimes we need to intervene on his problem solving as he is ofter trying to reach something which might possess an inherent danger. He handles the redirection very well, almost as if he knows that he shouldn't be trying to get the item, but needed to test the resolve of the adults in the room. We are having a great time, even more because it is gray and rainy in Florida, we are happy to be in the bright sunshine and warm temperatures of Maryland.

-- Bob Doan, Glen Burnie, MD

A Final Salute

With the sound of the bugle playing Taps and a salute from the honor guard, my Dad's cremains were finally laid to rest yesterday next to my Mom in the Fairbanks family section of a cemetery in Homer, NY. It had been a journey from his October passing until yesterday. The family had decided to wait until warmer weather coupled with the cemetery not being open for new burials until mid-April. Welcome to Upstate NY, so much for warmer weather because it was a cool 60 degrees yesterday.

Military Honor Guard
Homer, NY
May 30, 2026

I had the honor of accepting the flag for the family. Which was a very nice surprise. Earlier, I had been given a folder with his records of military service which I found fascinating to read through. I think I am going to put the flag in a case and store some of his service connected document in the case along with the flag to document his service to our great nation.

Following the graveside gathering, we headed back to my sister's, house south of Rochester, for an afternoon celebration and a bit of a family reunion. Yes, for those looking at a map of Western and Upstate NY, we drove about 6 hours yesterday between the different locations. 

And with a final salute, another veteran was laid to rest. He answered our nation's call, twice! 

-- Bob Doan, Henrietta, NY

Crossing a Level

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
May 26, 2026

 I was shocked when I logged my almost 18-mile ride yesterday. I have ridden just over 7,000 miles on my bike. And in terms of miles ridden in a month, the over 175 miles ridden this month are my most in a month since July last year. I guess I have been slacking off a bit in terms of getting out on the streets.  

Chris at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
May 26, 2026

I enjoyed riding yesterday, even though the winds were strong in my face for parts of the ride. The southeasterly wind gusted to about 30 MPH at times and that really added stress to a ride. But, I am getting into good shape.

For the evening, we headed off to $2 Tuesday at Tiki52 collocated with the Blowing Rocks Marina. With the temperature sitting at a pleasant 87 degrees and a nice breeze coming off the water, we enjoyed sitting under the Tiki for Happy Hour and dinner. We enjoy Tiki52 for its relaxed dining, good prices, and dog friendly atmosphere. Finn accompanied us last evening, as he often does. He really enjoys the Happy Hour wings!

It was an enjoyable day after the holiday weekend.

And now, on to Hump Day with a travel day looming on Friday. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Quiet Memorial Day

Red-bellied Woodpecker
High on a Palm Tree Shoot
Tequesta, FL
May 23, 2026

The weather here in South Florida was nearly perfect for a Memorial Day celebration. Chris, Finn, and I celebrated alone and together.

Marley Keeping a Watchful Eye on Us
Tequesta, FL
May 25 ,2026

We began the day by heading over at our friends' house looking after their cats. We were not there long as it was a litter box day. Their automatic Whisker robot litter box needed a bag change. While the litter box is fully automatic, it requires human assistance to change the bag which holds the used litter. While changing the bad is an easy process, it still smells like, well, cat poop!

We headed back to the house to enjoy lunch and relax a bit. 

The highlight of the day, believe it or not, was watching the last five innings of the Orioles game. I finally activated my MLB app so that I could watch the games. The Orioles have been so disappointing thus far this season that I have avoided becoming too attached to the team. But after yesterday's gutsy and thrilling win over the league leading Rays, it is hard not to get excited. Of course a walk-off two-run home run will help with the excitement, but considering that the score was tied 2-2 at the end of 9 innings and the final score after 13 innings was 7-5, it was a hugely exciting extra inning slugfest game. And it was the O's first win against the Rays in 4 games this season.

And that was Memorial Day 2026. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Yard Work Saturday

Freshly Mowed
Tequesta, FL
May 23, 2026

 I know, I live in a condo. How on earth could I have yard work to accomplish?

But we did! Chris and I spent the morning raking, mowing, and laying much--in two different yards. 

Chris Finishing the Mulch
Tequesta, FL
May 23, 2026

We began the morning at the home of friends who are on a cruise in Europe. We raked leaves, magnolia trees lose leaves all the time, and mowed the lawns. It was the second time we mowed since they departed. I admit, I miss mowing just a little bit. I love riding a tractor around a lawn.

After finishing with the friend's yard, we headed back to our home and mulched the path in the back of the condo. We keep the path mulched as it helps keep mud out of the house. It also looks nice and Chris needs an outlet for her gardening spirit. The plants in our yard are still recovering from the hard freeze we experienced during February--but are greening up nicely. 

We were engrossed in our outdoor activities all morning, relishing the pleasant weather. However, we had to be exceptionally efficient at our friend’s house because a significant storm, complete with thunder and lightning, was approaching. As I was finishing up in the yard, I savored the refreshing pre-storm breeze. We promptly left to return home to Finnegan, who is terrified of thunder. Surprisingly, the storm never reached our home. Despite our home being only two miles away from our friends’, the weather can be quite different due to our proximity to the ocean. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Day on the Water

 

Heading out of Manatee Pocket
Port Salerno, FL
May 22, 2026

Chris, Finn, and I headed out of Port Salerno yesterday to enjoy a day on the waters of the ICW and St. Lucie River. It had been since March that we had risked life and limb on the water. Much of that has been due to travel schedules and weather. I have canceled at least two boat days because of poor weather conditions.

Path form the ICW Beach to the Ocean
Peck Lake, FL
May 22, 2026

The plan was to head off to our favorite, accessible only by boat, beach and then into Stuart, FL, for lunch. We called an audible, however, upon approaching the beach. The boat did not have a ladder in the bow and that meant, for a beach landing, we would have to go down the stern ladder into the water and walk around the boat to the beach. Neither of us felt like getting wet just to walk to the beach and so, even though we were a few yards from beaching, we decided just to head to Stuart where we can dock and stay dry.

View from the ICW headed for Stuart
Hobe Sound, FL
May 22, 2026

The wind began to increase as we headed for Stuart and the St Lucie River became choppy. I have been reading about how to better trim the engines to help the boat move through choppy waters more smoothly and I was able to implement what I had read. I was very happy with the result. And so was Chris and Finn. Finn parks himself right under my feet if the water becomes too choppy.

We arrived in Stuart without issues, although upon arrival at the Stuart Courtesy Docks we were greeted by a large sign stating the docks were closed. Being inquisitive, we motored closer to be able to read the small print and discovered that the docks will be closed form July 2026-April 2027 for reconstruction. It is going to be a massive project, apparently. As the docks were still open, we were able to tie-up and enjoy wandering around Stuart and enjoying lunch at our favorite cafe, the Osceola Street Cafe on SW Osceola Street in downtown Stuart.

By the time we finished in Stuart, the winds had become strong at 15 MPH or better. That meant the St Lucie River was rough with a moderate chop. The trip back to Pirates Cove Marina was not too bad, despite the conditions. Although we ended our day earlier than planned, we had a good time on the water and wandering around Stuart. It is going to be tough to find a new place to visit while the docks are being reconstructed, but Jensen Beach may be a good spot. I will have to check it out. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Throwback Saturday

 

Fish in the Lake from the Tractor
Tequesta, FL
May 16, 2026

Yesterday, Chris and I enjoyed a bit of a throwback Saturday. 

Why throwback? 

Well, I went to a friend's house and mowed his lawn. Living, as we do, in a condo I do not mow lawns and it was something that helped define summertime life in Maryland. If the lawn needed mowing, Saturday was the day. Too often, after work during the week I was too tired or distracted by some other chore to get the lawn done and so Saturdays became lawn day. 

I enjoyed tooling around the yard on my tractor. That was a wholesome memory. I remember that until we moved to our house in Elkridge, I owned only a push mower and it was not self-propelled. After mowing the lawn at the house the first time, and it took 5 hours, we realized that a tractor was necessary. Over the course of our over 20 years there, I owned two tractors. 

The Ice Cream Store
Tequesta, FL
May 16, 2026

I was able to tool around my friend's yard on his electric tractor, yesterday. The very one that I wrote about needing the battery replacement a few weeks ago. He got it done and the tractor works fine. They live on a small lake and as I was mowing near the water's edge, I saw a fish swimming by the shore. I also used his self-propelled lawnmower to do some of the trim. A nearly perfect Saturday.

The Lawn
Tequesta, FL
May 16, 2026

During the afternoon, Chris and I enjoyed another throwback activity, we went to the local ice cream vendor. Palm Beach Ice Cream makes the best ice cream in the area and we spend a lot of time talking ourselves out of going there, but gave into our desires yesterday. I remembered that after the chores were done, we used to head off to Cindy's in Elkridge for ice cream. Unlike Cindy's however, Palm Beach Ice Cream is open year round.

Lawn mowing, ice cream, and the smell of fresh cut grass. It was a throwback Saturday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Fleecing Continues

 

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
May 15, 2026

TGIF was yesterday.

And the weekend began with the passing of the day. 

I began yesterday with a nice 18-mile ride around Tequesta. The Loxahatchee was flat as I rode over the Tequesta Bridge. It was a beautiful and hot day. 

Chris and I ended the day at dinner with friends in Port St Lucie. All-in-all it was a great Friday. 

Reflecting on recent world events including the summit in China I, sadly, believe we are seeing the end of America's stabilizing influence on the world. Democracies are under fire, including ours, and the only bright spot I see is what happened recently in Hungary where the people took control of their destiny after 16 years of extreme right-wing oppression. 

Try as we might, it is hard to escape the cold reality that the current administration is more concerned about increasing their personal wealth than ensuring the well-being of Americans. To consider that the President has increased his personal wealth by $5.1B during the past year is unfathomable. Even worse, is the $10B lawsuit he filed against the government which is going to be adjudicate by his former personal attorney who is not the Acting Attorney General and could substantially increase his net worth at the expense of Americans. 

We continue to get fleeced by Trump, his billionaire cronies, and drained by fighting an unauthorized and unwanted war with Iran and we can't fun health care and food assistance programs, why?

The Republicans scream fraud, but cannot apparently comprehend that the most egregious fraud is happening within the walls of the White House. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Hardest Shopping Experience

 

The Snack Food Aisle
Publix, Tequesta, FL
May 14, 2026

Shopping for food is a difficult experience. The stores appear intent on making the experience as complex and bewildering as possible.

How can shopping for food be complex? Well the are the 2 for's, BOGOs, buy 3 and get 1, buy 2 and get 1, 3 for, 4 for and even 5 for. And it is deceptive. I got trapped the other day buying bread. The kind that Chris likes appeared to be on a BOGO, until I got to the register. The specific bread she likes, while the correct size and in the family which had the BOGO was not the specific variety that was offered on the BOGO.  Ugh! I need to have a law degree to shop.

And even items not on special can be deceptively priced. The cereal I prefer is a recent case in point. Yesterday, I had a choice between the standard or the family size box. I initially grabbed the family size thinking it would be the better value. Not so fast! When I compared price per ounce, the family size was more expensive per ounce. And not just a little bit. Who does that?

I thought that was all bad enough until I realized that the snack food aisle is one long continuous landmine of price, size, and multiple offerings. And in our Publix it is the longest single section of the store other than the soft drink section. 

Nothing in the snack food aisle is standard. The package sizes vary across producers and even within products. Stretching it out into a single long aisle makes cost comparison shopping is nearly impossible. And the multiple varieties of potato chips make the head spin. Chris and I spent nearly 10 minutes selecting potato chips. Really? Like the world is going to end if we don't buy the best value potato chips. 

At least the pickles I use on my sandwich were on a BOGO! That seemed far easier than selecting potato chips. 

It is a jungle out there!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL